10 Best Local Pubs in Berkshire

The Hind’s Head is known for its unique food and luxurious cocktails. First, enjoy a pre-dinner handcrafted cocktail upstairs in the Royal Lounge Bar. You’ll be seated in a relaxed and calm environment surrounded by the dark green interior and references to its hunting lodge past on the walls. If you’re hungry before dinner, try the scotch egg, an English classic that’s given a boost of sophistication.

The restaurant itself, set in the 15th-century hunting lodge, has a menu celebrating British food. The menu has reimagined British classics and new interpretations, which is what you’d expect from its experimental chef, Heston Blumenthal. All dishes are presented and finished with skill and flair. The British Sunday Roast is also available with a 3-course lunch. Ring ahead and ask about one-off events, from learning how to cook game to historical cocktail-making.

The Royal Oak’s menu changes regularly, incorporating local seasonal ingredients. It showcases British food that’s both comforting and high quality from a Michelin-starred chef. Adaptations are available for vegetarian and vegan clients, meaning the menu can cater for all dietary needs.

The pub itself is owned by TV personality Sir Michael Parkinson and his son. The interior of the 17th-century pub features exposed wooden beams, giving it the classic British pub atmosphere. Make sure to admire the eclectic mix of artwork on the walls. Join the occasional Art Party to enjoy a guided tour of the collection.

The Belgian Arms is a local favourite in the small village of Holyport. The pub had its name changed after WWI from The Eagle to The Belgian Arms. This was because a prisoner of war camp was located in the village, which meant German soldiers would salute at the Eagle. It had its name changed after the war due to Holyport locals serving in the country during the war.

The food itself intends to be simple, yet delicious, focusing on fresh and seasonal ingredients. This means the menus change regularly to ensure the quality of the food. The pub has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere year-round. 

The Boatman is a pub in Windsor with its location as among its main selling points. You can relax on the waterfront terrace overlooking the River Thames and be only moments away from Windsor Castle and Eton village.

The food is typically British, serving seasonal and local dishes. The most famous perhaps being its Eton mess – a traditional English dessert of strawberries, meringue and whipped cream all mixed together. The dessert is believed to have been first served by Eton College at their annual cricket match against Harrow School back in 1893.

The White Oak has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2012. The award champions ‘good food and service but at a reasonable price’, meaning you can be sure to find something on their a la carte or set menus within your budget. It also features in many food publications, so you can be sure you’re getting delicious food.

The pub also has regular steak nights on Mondays, where you can also bring your own wine. This makes it possible to enjoy a night of great food without going over your budget. 

The Duchess of Cambridge aims to give a traditional, fuss-free dining experience by serving good food, a selection of beers, and great service. They serve award-winning real ales from the McMullen Brewery in Hertford. 

The food menus cater for all, whether it’s lunch, brunch, nibbles or dinner. Traditional favourites include posh whitebait with homemade tartar sauce, sausage and mash (mashed potato), and chicken, ham and leek pie.

The Crown at Bray is an Old World beamed inn that prides itself on serving traditional pub food with exceptional quality. The roaring fires in winter and large beer garden in summer make this pub inviting for families, couples, dog owners, and local regulars. The food on the menu mimics the seasons. But the firm favourites, the Crown traditional beer-battered fish and chips and Irish beef burger are available throughout the year. 

If you like beer, make sure to try the unique Guinness ice cream, just one of the creations by the pub’s owner, experimental chef Heston Blumenthal. The beer/wine selection at the crown changes regularly, so you can always find locally sourced and international varieties to suit your taste.

The Spring Inn intends to cater for all with a good selection of vegetarian and dairy-free dishes that are nearly 100% gluten-free. Their Sunday roast is served with all the trimmings and is one not to be missed. You'll also find gastropub mains and burgers on the menu.

The pub has a homely interior with high wooden ceilings and a nice outside seating area for long summer evenings. Drinks-wise, their shelves are stocked with top-shelf whiskeys ports, pudding wines, beers and ales, as well as old and new world wines.

The Oxford Blue pub has a modern interior in a building with historical roots. The pub originally was 2 gamekeepers’ cottages, which have been combined to create a relaxed, sophisticated dining experience. The building’s origin inspires its unique menus – the “gamekeeper lunch” and “gamekeepers tasting”. 

The pub also has its own herb garden, so you'll find homegrown herbs and edible flowers in many dishes. After you’ve finished your meal, you’re encouraged to have a walk around to explore all the different varieties growing in their garden.

The Rowbarge has rows of shelves stocked with a large variety of whiskies, gins, and 6 real ales. This means you’ll always be able to find the perfect tipple to accompany your meal. The food is a combination of British classics, but with a contemporary style, taking influences from all over the world.

Their Elevenses menu, which throws back to the 19th century, contains British classics such as scones and tea cakes. The large garden areas next to the River Kennet are excellent settings to sit and enjoy their BBQ menu in the summer months.